In Tuesday’s (10/5) Washington Post, Anne Midgette writes, “The Washington National Opera has appointed a new music director. Philippe Auguin, who made a huge impression on both the orchestra and the audience when he stepped in for ailing then-Music Director Heinz Fricke to lead the concert ‘Götterdaemmerung’ last fall, is now replacing him altogether. Auguin officially assumed the post on Monday, though one might say he really takes office at the premiere of Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ on Thursday night. The musicians appear to be thrilled. … Naming Auguin represents a nice step forward for a company that has mainly made news for inner turmoil of late, with budget woes, the announcement that General Director Plácido Domingo is not renewing his contract at the end of the season, and the possibility of a merger with the Kennedy Center. It’s also a remarkable step for a conductor with a high-flying international career. … But Auguin also wants the more intimate relationship with an orchestra that a music directorship can bring.”
Posted October 6, 2010
